SYDNEY -- Search crews hunting for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in the desolate ocean waters off western Australia have discovered an old shipwreck, officials said Wednesday.

The unexpected finding came when sonar equipment on board a search vessel scouring the Indian Ocean for the missing jetliner detected a cluster of objects nearly 2.5 miles below the surface, according to a statement from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which is heading up the hunt.

Although officials suspected the objects were probably not from the Boeing 777, which vanished on March 8, 2014, they decided to take a closer look just in case. A second ship sent down an autonomous underwater vehicle - essentially, an unmanned sub - which revealed a large number of small objects and several larger items, the biggest 20 feet long.Debris, including an anchor, from an apparent shipwreck discovered during the search for missing Malaysian Airlines Flight 370.The debris field appeared to be man-made but wasn't typical of an aircraft. Still, crews sent down a camera to be sure.

Key developments this weekGO Phoenix suspended search operations on 13 May, and commenced passage to Fremantle for routine resupply. She is expected to arrive in port around 18 May.Fugro Discovery berthed at Fremantle on 12 May to conduct routine resupply. The vessel is expected to depart back to the search area around 14 May. Fugro Equator continues to conduct search operations to the east of the 7th arc. The vessel is expected to suspend search operations later today in order to travel to Fremantle for routine resupply. It is expected to arrive in port around 20 May.Fugro Supporter has withdrawn from search operations. The deteriorating weather has brought sea conditions which are beyond the safe launch and recovery limitations of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Fugro Supporter is expected to arrive at the port of Fremantle around 18 May, where the AUV will be offloaded and stored and the survey team will be demobilised. While the deep-tow vehicles and the AUV are equipped with the same high frequency sonar and camera systems to investigate potential sonar contacts, the AUV is more agile and better suited to investigating areas of complex seabed. Therefore, AUV operations will not continue in the search area during the winter months, however, the AUV system will remain available to the search at short notice during this time.

Underwater search

The search plan has been modified to enable continuous search operations during winter and to ensure that the entire 120,000 square kilometre area is searched as quickly and effectively as possible. The search into the expanded area has already commenced, with search efforts focused in the south to take advantage of the last of the usable weather in that area. Safety of the search crews also remains a priority.

Expert advice is that the highest probability of locating the aircraft is within the 120,000 square kilometre search area. Beyond that, it is not possible to refine the search area to one of greater likelihood.

Over 75 percent of the seafloor in the initial search area has been searched so far.

MH370 search discovers shipwreckFugro Equator's deep tow system detected a cluster of small sonar contacts in the southern part of the search area, 12 nautical miles to the east of the 7th arc. The sonar data was carefully analysed and categorised as Class 2—“of potential interest but unlikely to be related to MH370.” It could not, however, be ruled out.

Therefore Fugro Supporter was tasked to divert on its passage between two search areas and further investigate the contact. A high-resolution sonar scan was performed using the AUV. The high-resolution data revealed a large number of sonar contacts lying very close to the seafloor, at a depth of around 3900 metres. The majority of the contacts were comparatively small—around the size of a cricket ball—interspersed with a few larger items, the biggest being box shaped and approximately 6 metres in its longest dimension. The debris field appeared to be of man-made origin but once again it did not exhibit all the characteristics of a typical aircraft debris field.

GO Phoenix arrived at the port of Fremantle on 17 May to conduct routine resupply and is expected to depart for the search area on 20 May.Fugro Discovery departed Fremantle on 15 May and is expected to arrive back in the search area around 21 May.Fugro Equator suspended search operations on 14 May to travel to Fremantle for routine resupply. The vessel is expected to arrive in port in the evening of 20 May, and to depart late the next day.

Underwater search

The search plan has been modified to enable continuous search operations during winter and to ensure that the entire 120,000 square kilometre area is searched as quickly and effectively as possible. The search into the expanded area has already commenced, with search efforts focused in the south to take advantage of the last of the usable weather in that area. Safety of the search crews also remains a priority.

Expert advice is that the highest probability of locating the aircraft is within the 120,000 square kilometre search area. Beyond that, it is not possible to refine the search area to one of greater likelihood.

More than 75 percent of the seafloor in the initial search area has been searched so far.

MOST of the wreckage of MH370 will be left on the ocean floor when it is eventually found by searchers.

Despite the complete absence of any debris being found, search organisers are well advanced in the process of contracting a company to undertake the recovery operation.

But it seems almost certain any effort will focus simply on components required for the investigation, such as the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman said plans for recovery activities in the event the aircraft was found, were agreed to by Ministers from Malaysia, Australia and China at a meeting last month.

“The plans are not a public document at present,” said the spokesman.

“However it is not expected that it would be necessary to recover the entire aircraft but rather selected components.”

Shortlist assembled

He said a short list of suppliers had been identified from the request for expression of interest process for the recovery operation.

Key developments this weekGO Phoenix departed from Fremantle on 21 May, and arrived back in the search area on 26 May. Upon completion of the current swing, GO Phoenix will cease search operations and is expected to transit to Singapore. Fugro Discovery arrived back in the search area on 22 May and is undertaking search operations.Fugro Equator departed Fremantle on 21 May, and is expected to arrive in the search area on 28 May.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond the original 60,000 square kilometre search area to cover up to 120,000 square kilometres. Expert advice is that the highest probability of locating the aircraft is within the 120,000 square kilometre search area. It is not possible, based on available information, to determine further search priorities outside the 120,000 square kilometre area.

The search plan now covers the entire 120,000 square kilometres and has been modified to enable continuous search operations during winter, as well as to ensure that the required area is searched as efficiently and effectively as possible. Over coming weeks, search operations will be focused in the south to take advantage of the last of the better weather in that area prior to the expected onset of continuous poor weather during winter. Safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during winter months.

More than 48,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

The Search Strategy Working Group continues to review evidence associated with MH370 which may result in further refinement of, or prioritisation within, the search area.

In the event the aircraft is found and accessible, Australia, Malaysia and the People's Republic of China have agreed to plans for recovery activities including securing all the evidence necessary for the accident investigation.

Malaysian boys compensated for father who was on Flight 370Published on Tue Jun 02 2015

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Two Malaysian boys whose father was a passenger on the jetliner that vanished in March last year secured an out-of-court settlement in the tragedy’s first legal case against Malaysia Airlines and the government.

Lawyer Arunan Selvaraj said Tuesday the mother of the boys decided to accept compensation on their behalf so that they can “move forward with their life.” Arunan declined to reveal the amount.Other relatives of Flight 370 passengers were waiting for the outcome of the first case. Arunan said he did not know if there would be more lawsuits.

Malaysia Airlines has begun the process of paying compensation after the Malaysian government declared the jet’s disappearance an accident at the end of January.

Arunan declined to say whether the compensation was more than the family’s entitlement under the Montreal Convention, which governs liabilities from airline disasters. Government and airline lawyers declined to comment.

Key developments this weekFugro Equator arrived back in the search area on 29 May and recommenced search operations.On 30 May, foul weather forced all three search vessels—GO Phoenix, Fugro Equator and Fugro Discovery—to retrieve their towfish, as the conditions prevented safe search operations. Search operations have not yet recommenced.Fugro Equator is using the hiatus to conduct bathymetric survey operations, mapping additional areas of the seafloor which may be incorporated into the search.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required. In the absence of credible new information that leads to the identification of a specific location of the aircraft, Governments have agreed that there will be no further expansion of the search area.

Search operations have been modified and Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter, as well as to ensure that the required area is searched as quickly and effectively as possible. Over coming weeks, search operations will be focused in the south to take advantage of the last of the better weather in that area prior to the expected onset of continuous poor weather during winter. Safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during winter months.

Upon completion of the current swing, the current contract with Phoenix International will expire and GO Phoenix will cease search operations and transit to Singapore. This will occur near the end of June.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

Key developments this weekThe supporting frame of GO Phoenix's deep tow system was damaged whilst on deck in rough weather. A significant amount of welding is required to rectify the damaged frame and the initial plan was to undertake this work on-site. On 3 June, the vessel's supply of bottled oxygen and acetylene (both required for welding) was exhausted, requiring the ship to return to Fremantle for resupply. The vessel arrived in Fremantle on 8 June. When GO Phoenix departs, the vessel will return to the search area, conducting repairs en route.

On 6 June, Fugro Equator resumed search operations following a week of weather avoidance. On 7 June, however, the vessel once again ceased search operations due to severe unfavourable weather conditions. The vessel continues to use the hiatus to conduct bathymetric survey operations, mapping additional areas of the seafloor which may be incorporated into the search.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required. In the absence of credible new information that leads to the identification of a specific location of the aircraft, Governments have agreed that there will be no further expansion of the search area beyond the 120,000 square kilometres.

Search operations have been modified and Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter, as well as to ensure that the required area is searched as quickly and effectively as possible. Over coming weeks, search operations will be focused in the south to take advantage of the last of the better weather in that area prior to the expected onset of continuous poor weather during winter. Safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

Upon completion of the current swing, the current contract with Phoenix International will expire and GO Phoenix will cease search operations and transit to Singapore.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.Weather

Key developments this weekGO Phoenix departed Fremantle on 10 June and arrived back in the search area on 16 June, having completed repairs on the damaged support frame for the deep tow system en route. The vessel is expected to commence search operations today, weather permitting.

Fugro Discovery remains in the search area, but was obliged to pause search operations on 14 June as a result of poor weather. Search operations recommenced on 16 June.

Fugro Equator remains in the search area, but was obliged to pause search operations on 14 June as a result of poor weather. Search operations recommenced on 16 June.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required. In the absence of credible new information that leads to the identification of a specific location of the aircraft, Governments have agreed that there will be no further expansion of the search area beyond the 120,000 square kilometres.

Search operations have been modified and Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter, as well as to ensure that the required area is searched as quickly and effectively as possible. Over coming weeks, search operations will be focused in the south to take advantage of the last of the better weather in that area prior to the expected onset of continuous poor weather during winter. Safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

The Malaysian Government has advised that the contract with GO Phoenix will end with the completion of the current swing and the vessel will transit to Singapore.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

GO Phoenix ceased search operations on 20 June and commenced passage to Singapore. The vessel is expected to arrive around 30 June, whereupon it will be demobilised from search activities.

Fugro Discovery paused search operations on 18 June and arrived at the Port of Fremantle on 24 June for routine resupply operations.

Fugro Equator paused search operations on 23 June and is currently en route to Fremantle to conduct routine resupply operations. The vessel is expected to arrive in port around 29 June.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the complete 120,000 square kilometre area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

Over the coming week, neither vessel will be in the search area as they transit to and from the Port of Fremantle. Regular port visits to resupply are a routine and necessary part of search operations. Following resupply, both vessels will return to the search area to continue the ongoing search for MH370.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

Fugro Discovery has departed Port of Fremantle after conducting routine resupply operations and is expected to arrive in the search area on 2 July to recommence search operations.

Fugro Equator has also departed port after conducting routine resupply operations and is expected to arrive in the search area on 6 July to recommence search operations.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the complete 120,000 square kilometre area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

Fugro Discovery arrived in the search area on 3 July, but sea conditions prevented the launch of the towfish and recommencement of search operations until 5 July.

Fugro Equator arrived back in the search area on 5 July. The vessel took the opportunity to conduct additional bathymetric survey work while sea conditions were unfavourable, launching the towfish on 7 July.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

Fugro Discovery and Fugro Equator continue to conduct search operations in the southern Indian Ocean.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

Fugro Discovery and Fugro Equator continue to conduct search operations in the southern Indian Ocean.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

I'm stilling waiting and hoping right along with you...

Thank you for updating, grace-land.

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" Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." - Daniel Moynihan

Fugro Discovery and Fugro Equator continue to conduct search operations in the southern Indian Ocean.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

More than 50,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

Fugro Discovery and Fugro Equator continue to conduct search operations in the southern Indian Ocean.

Underwater search

As announced in April, the search area has been expanded beyond an original 60,000 square kilometre search area to enable up to 120,000 square kilometres to be searched if required.

Search plans were revised in April to ensure that the area can be searched as quickly and effectively as possible if required. The Fugro vessels have undergone winterisation to enable continuous search operations during winter. The safety of the search crews, as always, remains a priority and vessels and equipment utilised will vary to reflect operational needs, particularly during the winter months.

More than 55,000 square kilometres of the seafloor have been searched so far.

A French aviation expert believes he may have found the wreckage of MH370 – the Malaysia Airlines flight which disappeared off the coast of Malaysia in March 2014.Xavier Tytelman, a former military pilot who now specialises in aviation security, was contacted on Wednesday morning by a man living on the island of Reunion, in the Indian Ocean. The man sent Mr Tytelman a series of photos showing wreckage of a plane, which the Frenchman said could possibly be the missing jet."I've been studying hundreds of photos and speaking to colleagues," Mr Tytelman told The Telegraph. "And we all think it is likely that the wing is that of a Boeing 777 – the same plane as MH370."Police in Reunion examining the wreckage say that it looks like it's been in the water for around a year, which again would fit with MH370. We can't say for certainty, but we do think there is a chance that this is it."

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" Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." - Daniel Moynihan